Categories: New York City, Network Events
08.15.2025
On August 14th, the Network was proud to stand with Council Member Carlina Rivera, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and The Fortune Society to celebrate the passage of Intro 1100, the "Jail is Not a Home" bill.
A long-time advocacy priority for the Network, this landmark legislation ensures that time spent in jail or prison will count toward the homeless time requirement for supportive housing, removing a harmful barrier that has kept too many New Yorkers from accessing the housing and support they need.
At the rally, elected officials and advocates shared powerful reflections on what this bill means for our city:
"Today’s vote on my bill, Intro 1100, makes a simple yet powerful change that can break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration for thousands of our neighbors,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “This is a turning point for how we approach housing and mental health in our city."
"I want to stress how profound this legislation is: it’s a one-page bill that simply says your incarceration does not count as being housed,” said Network Director of Policy, Tierra Labrada. “People should not be forced to enter the homeless services system just to prove eligibility for supportive housing. It’s a drain on our city’s resources, it’s re-traumatizing, and it increases the risk of recidivism."
"Too often, our neighbors leaving Rikers get trapped in a cycle of incarceration and homelessness without the support they need to stabilize their lives,” said Lauren Velez, CSH Director – Metro Team. “People—especially those who are struggling—are not dispensable. For many leaving incarceration, the answer is supportive housing."
"It’s important for me to speak out on why people who have been incarcerated—like myself—need access to supportive housing,” said Fortune Society Tenant Advocate Helen Taylor. “It’s not just a place to live. It’s a tremendous amount of support. Fortune Society saved my life."
"This bill is ridiculously common sense. This small change that will have a dramatic impact," said NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
"What we want is a city that believes supportive housing is a human right,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
"Dismantling mass incarceration requires real solutions,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés. “This bill is a step in the right direction—and it will have real impact."
"For too long, our city has operated on punishment without support. This bill acknowledges the truth: jail is not a home,” said Council Member Althea Stevens. “The vote today is a symbol that New York will NOT stand for criminalizing homelessness. We will welcome every New Yorker with open arms and loving support."
“We know that too many New Yorkers cycle through our shelter and jail system. This bill will make a transformational difference,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “We now need to go further and invest in Justice Involved Supportive Housing (JISH) to scale to meet the need of New Yorkers.”
The Network thanks Council Member Rivera, her team, CSH, Fortune Society, impacted advocates, the supportive housing tenants who advocated for this bill at our City Council Lobby Day, and all who helped make this bill a reality.
Relevant press coverage: